Government publishes gazette on president Shahabuddin's resignation

Cabinet Division also issues gazette on Speaker's assumption of presidential duties

The Cabinet Division has published the official gazette confirming the resignation of president Mohammed Shahabuddin and the assumption of presidential responsibilities by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.

The two gazette notifications, issued on Friday, were published on the government's website on Saturday.

According to the notification signed by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Shahabuddin resigned from the office of president on Friday under Article 50(3) of the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

"The resignation shall take effect immediately," the notification states.

A separate notification says that, following Shahabuddin's resignation, Speaker Hafiz Uddin will discharge the functions of the president under Article 54 of the Constitution until a new president is elected.

The order also takes immediate effect.

Speculation over Shahabuddin's possible resignation had intensified over the past several days before it was confirmed on Friday afternoon.

He submitted his resignation letter to the speaker, who has since assumed the responsibilities of acting president in accordance with the Constitution.

In his resignation letter, Shahabuddin cited his deteriorating health and the need for long-term medical treatment as the reasons for stepping down.